CLEVELAND — A decades old rivalry saw a victor in the Cleveland Browns against the Cincinnati Bengals during the Browns home opener.
The Browns defeated the Bengals 24-3, and fans from all over Ohio participated in a battle that dates back to 1970, when these teams first met. Even Bengals fans like Miles Bethay showed up.
“The Browns fans, they’ve accepted me,” he said. “Its friendly competition. They know they’re going to lose today, but they still respect me, and I respect them. It’s all friendly. Someone’s gotta win. Someone’s gotta lose.”
Some Browns fans, like Jake Henjy, are happy to be starting their season with their quarterback Deshaun Watson, after he missed 11 games last year for violating the league’s conduct policy.
“Deshaun Watson, I would say as long as he pans out, we’re a solid 11 win season, 4000 yards, 35 plus touch downs,” he said.
Anxiety lingers in some fans as last season the Browns finished seven in 10, failing to make the playoffs for the second straight year. Most fans like Spencer Gerschutz are just excited that football season is back in the city of Cleveland.
“It’s the battle of Ohio, you know. Winner takes all,” he said. “I mean, obviously there is another game, but it’s a good way to start the season.”
This season fans have so much to look forward to besides their new Brownie the Elf logo at mid field. It’s no doubt a much anticipated season and the quest for a Superbowl appearance has begun.
